The true meaning of being fearless is being bold and brave but with discernment, not stupidity. And speaking of, choosing to go without a helmet while riding an electric scooter is not being fearless! Not wearing a helmet is absolutely ridiculous and completely bonkers!
Although spreading fear is an inappropriate method for encouraging the right behavior, sometimes it just has to be done. Sometimes it takes scaring people to awaken their senses that yes– riding an e-scooter is life-changing but going without a helmet is not only life-threatening but life-ending as well.
As more people turn to electric scooters as a cool, convenient and eco-friendly way to get around, Ride Hub Australia, Home of Electrified Beasts (E-Rides) has the duty to inform its riders, loyal customers, patrons and readers (like you!) that it's without a doubt, important to remember that safety should always come first.
One of the most important safety measures that e-scooter riders should take is to wear an approved helmet–yes, not just any helmet–but the approved helmet and don’t forget the safety gear too.
What is an approved helmet?
It is advised that users of electric scooters use bicycle helmets that adhere to the AS/NZS 2063:2008 standard, which is a set of safety requirements established by governmental agencies. This is the established bicycle helmet standard in Australia and it details the design, construction, and performance criteria. These requirements guarantee that the rider and their head are adequately protected by the helmet. Typically, a softer inner liner and a rigid outer shell are used to create bicycle helmets, which are nonetheless lightweight and easy to wear. In the event of a crash, the outer shell is intended to absorb the initial impact, while the inside liner aids in absorbing and distributing the force of the impact.
It's important to know that not all helmets are created equal. While some helmets may look similar, they may not provide the same level of protection as an approved helmet and safety is a priority. Whatever incident may come, we hope the helmet will protect you at all costs. But you have to do your part and make sure the helmet you have meets the AS/NZS 2063:2008 standard. You have to do your part.
How should my helmet fit?
Choosing a helmet that fits well and is pleasant to wear is crucial. If a helmet doesn't fit properly, it may not offer enough protection in the event of a crash and may also be uncomfortable, which might distract you while riding.
Look for a helmet that fits your head snugly without being too tight when choosing one. The chin strap should be tightly tightened, and the helmet should fit level on your head, covering the forehead and the back of the head.
Also, it's crucial to select a helmet that is suitable for the kind of riding you'll be undertaking. For instance, if you intend to ride quickly or over severe terrain, you might wish to choose a helmet with a visor or extra padding for added protection.
Why should I wear a helmet?
Just in Victoria, Australia, reports have shown that there were at least 427 hospital admissions where most commonly occurred on a road, street or highway.
This is an increased 234% rate of injuries to people riding electric scooters in recent years. Apparently there is a steep rise in hospitalisations, jumping from 28 in 2019, 20 to 128 in 2020 to 2021 and 427 in 2022. More than 80% of injuries recorded were caused by the rider falling off the e-scooter, while 7% occurred when the rider collided with a car. While the numbers of e-scooter injuries ending up in hospitalisations are rising, it is still not as large compared to other transport injuries but it still needs to be put in context. This is still not a reason to celebrate.
While electric scooters are extremely convenient for mankind and eco-friendly for mother nature, there is also a spike in recklessness. Data was collected from Victorian public hospitals with 24-hour emergency departments that found that men aged 20 to 24 were even the most likely to be injured, which is the prime age of men feeling young, wild and free — and again, reckless. Humans have the tendency to feel like they will live forever, until they don’t. It has happened. Lives have flown away.just.like.that.
And if it’s not death, it’s injuries that range from broken bones, dislocations, sprains and strains from body parts like the head and neck, elbows, wrists and knees. Riding a fast electric scooter is not trivial, it is amazing but can also be dangerous. So be wise. Make wise choices and wear your approved helmet!
We at Ride Hub cannot stress enough how important it is to wear a helmet. Lives may be saved. According to studies, wearing a helmet—especially one that has been approved—can dramatically lower the risk of brain injuries in the event of a collision. In fact, research indicated that wearing a helmet decreased the incidence of brain injuries in cyclists engaged in collisions by 69%. According to reports, many accidents and fatalities may have been prevented if riders:
- Drove responsibly and looked out for others
- Complied with the laws of their city/state
- Wore the approved helmet and safety gear
We encourage all road users to act responsibly and help keep the community safe.
Where can I get an approved helmet?
Of course at Ride Hub Australia! We have partnered with one of the best electric scooter companies in the country: Mearth, the Pioneer in Australian Electric Scooters and they carry 4 top-notch e-scooter series, the entry level S (Simple) Series, the long-range RS (Racing Sport) Series, the GTS Evo (Gran Turismo Scooter) Series and the latest, most futuristic, the Cyber.
With great powers of these fast electric scooters, the need for an approved helmet had to be met. Thus, the birth of the Mearth Airlite Electric Scooter Helmet and the Mearth Nutshell Helmet, both of which meet the AS/NZS 2063:2008 standard.
Wearing an approved helmet that fits properly and is comfortable to wear is an essential safety measure for e-scooter riders. So go on over to the official site of Ride Hub Australia to avail of the helmets you need!